majority of Ukrainians anticipate favorable outcomes following the US land agreement, while one-fifth predict unfavorable results
A new study released in early May shows that nearly half of Ukrainians have positive expectations about the mineral agreements with the USA. The study, conducted by KIIS, found that 47% of participants said they held a favorable view of the agreement, while 22% expressed concerns, and 19% believed it would have no impact. The remaining 12% were unsure.
Sociologists note that this creates a positive-negative expectations balance of 25%, suggesting that Ukrainians generally view the agreement favorably. Regional findings show slightly fewer positive expectations in the East and West, but negative expectations still do not exceed a quarter in these regions.
The KIIS survey took place from May 2nd to 6th, with a question about perceptions of the agreement added at the last minute. Despite only 561 interviews conducted as of May 6th, the results are considered preliminary, with a margin of error of 5.4% at a 95% confidence level (factoring in a design effect of 1.3). Based on KIIS's experience, experts believe the final results will not differ significantly.
The Ukraine-USA agreement pertains to the creation of a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund. The fund, which will be managed equally by both countries, will receive 50% of royalty, license fees, and other payments from Ukraine's natural resource projects. Funds will be allocated to key economic development areas such as job creation, infrastructure rebuilding, and economic growth.
Ukraine will maintain full control over its natural resources, deciding which minerals to extract, ensuring sovereignty over its resources. The partnership prioritizes transparency and accountability to minimize corruption risks and enhance trust. Strategically, the agreement aims to ward off critical resources falling into the wrong hands, including those connected to Russia's war efforts.
The agreement has been hailed as a step towards strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations and could serve as a model for future mineral diplomacy. However, challenges remain, including outdated geological surveys, degraded energy infrastructure, and unresolved security risks. The success of the agreement depends heavily on long-term peace and stable investment conditions in Ukraine.
- Ukrainians, in general, possess a balanced view towards the mineral agreements with the USA, as 47% hold positive expectations, while 22% have concerns, and the remaining 12% are uncertain.
- The KIIS survey, conducted from May 2nd to 6th, indicates a positive-negative expectations balance of 25% among Ukrainians, suggesting that they view the agreement favorably.
- The Ukraine-USA agreement, aimed at creating a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, will receive 50% of royalties, license fees, and other payments from Ukraine's natural resource projects.
- Amid concerns about corruption risks and security, the partnership prioritizes transparency and accountability to minimize potential issues and enhance trust, strategically aiming to prevent critical resources from falling into the wrong hands, such as those connected to Russia's war efforts.
